VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Update: Heyman gets nod to represent NDP in Vancouver-Fairview. More to come


Two political heavyweights are going toe-to-toe today in the Vancouver-Fairview riding.

The nomination meeting for a shot as an NDP candidate in the upcoming provincial election started at about 2 p.m.; party members will vote on who they want to represent them.
 
City Councillor Geoff Meggs and current Sierra Club President George Heyman are both high-profile candidates looking to win. Political scientist Norman Ruff refers to them as “political titans.”

“These are two powerful figures — and it’s remarkable that they’re running against each other — that’s something which is rare in BC politics,” says Ruff. Because of that prominence, he speculates the runner-up will still have a bright future in provincial politics.

“These are such major players… the sense is that whoever loses won’t just gather up their luggage and disappear; they’ll be looking around for another seat,” explains Ruff.

“Nothing is for sure, and it’s with bad luck to choose your Cabinet before a general election, but there is a notion that the NDP stands a very good chance of forming a government. The background of both of these individuals is such that they quite likely to be in an NDP Cabinet, if that was to happen.”

Heyman, former president of the BCGEU, says he understands he’s up against a formidable opponent in Geoff Meggs, but couldn’t let that stop him running.

“I looked at the possibility before I decided to run here,” he admits. “But the fact of the matter was there was nowhere else that was familiar territory for me. I was ready to declare 15 months ago, and Mr. Meggs declared for council.”

“At the time, I decided the Liberals and the NDP were 50-50 in the polls and I thought somebody with  my background, range of experience, and profile, could help win the swing riding. That’s what motivated me to run,” he adds.

Results are expected early this evening. News1130 will keep you updated on this tightly-contested race.